The world-class museums, the iconic landmarks, the national dishes: we know what makes a city unique. Yet for those who call Europe’s cities home, it’s the intimate drinking spots and secret slices of nature that shape their weekends. Keen to uncover another side to Europe’s cities? Project Editor Zoë Rutland rounds up the best hidden experiences only locals know about.
Stroll through a London cemetery
No matter where you are in London, there’s a laidback stroll waiting to be had, from skirting a secluded pond in a park to soaking up the buzz along a high street. A cemetery hardly drums up thoughts of such a dreamy walk, but hear us out: London’s cemeteries are in a league of their own, so much so that a group of them are nicknamed the “Magnificent Seven”.
The biggest of the so-called magnificent is arguably the prettiest, too. Tucked away in the peaceful neighbourhood of Nunhead, the area’s namesake cemetery is home to tree-lined walkways that guide afternoon amblers. Stroll past the gorgeous ruins of an Anglican chapel and weathered gravestones to the western side, where a delightful vista of St Paul’s Cathedral awaits.
The biggest of the so-called magnificent is arguably the prettiest, too. Tucked away in the peaceful neighbourhood of Nunhead, the area’s namesake cemetery is home to tree-lined walkways that guide afternoon amblers. Stroll past the gorgeous ruins of an Anglican chapel and weathered gravestones to the western side, where a delightful vista of St Paul’s Cathedral awaits.
London Like a Local
View BookClamber over Paris’s disused railway
Think of Paris and you’re likely picturing dainty patisseries and manicured gardens. Yet for all its polished appearances, this city has a gritty underbelly, and the Petite Ceinture is at its very heart. A goldmine for urban explorers and budding photographers, this abandoned railway line is where wild flowers grow on disused tracks and graffiti paints train tunnels.
Though it’s slowly being redeveloped into walkable stretches, most of it remains off-limits – unless you know where to go. Choose from one of the current access points in the 12th, 13th, 15th and 16th arrondissements and embark on a quiet hike, the odd bird twittering above you. It’s thirsty work; luckily, some of the old stations along the northern portion of the line have been turned into cool bars to reward your efforts.
Though it’s slowly being redeveloped into walkable stretches, most of it remains off-limits – unless you know where to go. Choose from one of the current access points in the 12th, 13th, 15th and 16th arrondissements and embark on a quiet hike, the odd bird twittering above you. It’s thirsty work; luckily, some of the old stations along the northern portion of the line have been turned into cool bars to reward your efforts.
Paris Like a Local
View BookParty on two wheels through Amsterdam
Ah, Amsterdam – a city dominated by cyclists gliding over cobblestones and along the canals. Friday nights, however, are ruled by a groovier set of wheels: the roller skate. So long as it’s not raining, blading enthusiasts strap on their skates and join the free 20-km (12-mile) mass rollerblade party through the city’s roads, starting from Vondelpark at 8:30pm. Grab your mates, bring some wheels and a helmet and join in – there’s hardly a more exhilarating way to see Amsterdam’s major landmarks by moonlight.
Amsterdam Like a Local
View BookEnjoy the craic in Dublin
Dublin is practically the home of the singer-songwriter. But it’s not just those cradling a guitar in Temple Bar’s famed trad bars with a lot to say. Take those who brave the Irish Writers Centre’s Takin’ the Mic night. On the last Friday of every month, budding poets, prose writers, comedians and, you’ve guessed it, musicians turn personal stories into art – think comical anecdotes of cheeky nights out or heart-wrenching stories about homelessness. Whether you’re laughing or crying, there’s hardly a dry eye in the room, nor a dry mouth (it’s BYO, so come with drinks – and some tissues).
Dublin Like a Local
View BookGet your hands dirty in Berlin
Berlin is a city defined by the underground, where art galleries take up space in World War II bunkers, subterranean speakeasies are spoken about with a surreptitious whisper and clubs pulsate in former warehouses. But secrets lie in wait above ground, too. The world’s first zero-waste and vertical farm-to-table restaurants are found in Berlin, so it’s no surprise that community gardens have flourished in the last decade, drawing in eco-conscious locals who are all for growing their own dinner supplies. Urban garden Horstwirschaft is arguably the coolest, nestled in a rooftop bar in true Berlin style. Where else can you grow some kale in the afternoon and reward yourself with an Aperol Spritz come evening, all with a fantastic view over the capital?
Berlin Like a Local
View BookWatch a flick in Edinburgh
If anywhere defines Edinburgh’s community spirit, it’s the local – a classic pub where regulars come together for a good old catch up, nursing a pint by the fire. Many pubs are known for their impromptu folk sessions, too, and beckon locals to tap along to upbeat tunes. But for all the traditions this city loves, going against the grain is just as ubiquitous here (this is, after all, where the world’s largest art festival is held every August). Brass Monkey amplifies living room vibes with its wee mattress room, plastered with vintage movie posters and heaps of pillows for its informal film screenings. Little beats snuggling up with your pals on a rainy afternoon, drink in hand while a cult classic plays.
Edinburgh Like a Local
View BookGo for a dip in Copenhagen
Danes are some of the happiest people in the world, so go figure that they refuse to moan about the cold (and it gets pretty cold in the capital). The city is laced with canals and surrounded by the sea, and weather doesn’t deter locals from getting down to their swimsuits for a refreshing dip. In the warmer months, many families hot-foot it to popular spots like Amager Strandpark or Sluseholmen, leaving the bathing area of Havnevigen off most peoples’ radar. With terraces that lead straight into the water and an artificial beach that’s ideal for a leisurely sunbathe, it’s a no-brainer for a lesser-known break in the city.
Copenhagen Like a Local
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